anon @ 18:37 is probably confused in hearing a man giving a UK Independence Party speech at a Conservative Party gathering.It is not just his fine speaking skills that mark him out as 'different' in the Conservative Party.If he were to enter the House of Commons he would not be allowed on the front benches because of his views on Europe.... so it is a bit hypocritical to 'big him up' at that event.... for as a party they are more inclined to 'shut him up'.

ALL VERY WELL but the Tories, too, swim happily in the Westminster chamber pot of fetid fecality. Therein, the main drive is holding on to power (even if over a tiny rump of governence)because it yields status, wealth, and that much needed feeling of being someone, to a bunch of nobodies. Hannan is superb; but seems not to have realised the malaise is not New Labour but Westminster.